Customer Reviews:
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 The best so far! September 19, 2008
What a book! Of the trilogy to date, this, in my opinion, is clearly the best.
While this differs from the two previous books, it is, I believe, for the better. The Crow focuses on Hem in the South of Annar, preparing for war, and it takes place at the same time as Maerad's events in the North (as shown in The Riddle). I think that Hem is a more accessible character than Maerad - but that might be because Im a male! I certainly felt more attached to Hem than I had with Maerad; I felt emotionally involved with Hem, willing him to succeed in his quests - finding Maerad, spying on the dark and simply staying alive. Furthermore, Hem is a very loveable character, which makes it easy for everyone to feel attached to him.
There is generally more action in this book than the previous two - I felt that the previous books had maybe dwelled too long in certain places - with the city of Turbansk facing war and inevitable destruction. A slight criticism would be the length of time focused on Hem inside the camp, but this is may be necessary to create an overall impression of the awful conditions that the 'snouts' had to face.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable read, with plenty of action and it ends at just the right time - willing the reader to continue to the series finale in 'The Singing'. If you like fantasy novels and you have read the previous two books in the series, then this won't disappoint - bring on Book Four!
 Amazing! September 22, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
When I first heard that this book was about Hem and not about Maerad, who I had grown to like as a character, I was a bit put off but it was amazing. It was just as good as the first 2 books and leaves a cliffhanger for a 4th book which is great. Highly recommend it.
Excellent!! September 5, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I love how this book focuses on Hem and his journey with Saliman. Some parts of this book are quite disturbing and really get your emotions running and your heart pounding.
After finishing this book i really felt the importance of Hem as a character, whereas before he had been slightly brushed to the side.
One of the best fantasy books that i have read in a long time, this really reminds me of tolkein, in the creation of the monsters, landscapes and languages.
All i can really say is that i cant wait for the Singing to be released, not quite sure how i will cope untill then!!
Superb June 4, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I have enjoyed all three books so far, although I thought this was the last one in the series.
At least now I have another one to look foreward to. It is called the singing and is due for release mid 2008
Haunting and harrowing May 15, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Another stunning novel from Alison Croggan in the Pellinor series. This one may be more accessible to younger male readers, since it relates Hem's story so takes a more masculine perspective. Parts of it are quite harrowing, such as the child soldiers, and certain character deaths. It has the same epic, sweeping sense of darkness as Tolkien and other leading fantasy writers.
I would like to recommend to those who have already read The Gift and The Riddle that they re-read them after The Crow. I hadn't realised how carefully structured and planned this series is, and reading them a second time was not only a delight but also illuminating in terms of plot and character. They are amazingly re-readable and are greatly enhanced by The Crow, partly because it is contemporaneous to The Riddle.
Also there are sample chapters from the as yet unpublished fourth book, The Singing, on Alison Croggan's site, as well as sample chapters from the first three novels. They will give potential readers a proper taste of what the series is like, so you really can try before you buy. The only sad thing is that it seems as though the fourth book may be the last; I had hoped it would be a pentology.
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